Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 246: First Life, Alice. (13)

Chapter 246: First Life, Alice. (13)

Everfall.

Springton.

**********

"This is my favourite place!" Lydia exclaimed suddenly, vacating Theodores arms where she’d been nestled after crying about her mother. This is their next meeting after the last one and it was the most emotional.

"It is free and my voice echoes" She let out, her arms spread out as she twirled like she had the first day he’d seen her here.

"My feet, my heart, my hair,─ free!" she continued to squeal as she repeated the manthra, happy to forget her problems for awhile.

"And you are love" Theodore whispered to himself as he watched her, half amused and half adoration.

She got exhausted at some point and joined him and together, they sat by the waterfall, the world fading away as they shared stories and dreams, the bond between them growing ever stronger.

They stood there for a while, hand in hand, lost in the wonder of nature and the growing love they felt for each other. The wind whispered around them, the birds sang their melodies, and the forest seemed to embrace them in its timeless beauty. It was a moment of pure magic, one they would carry with them forever as they continued their journey together.

They read a book Alice brought and when Theodore left, he left her cheek glowing with a kiss.

The next fall that they would meet the sun was just beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden light over the bustling town nestled at the edge of the forest when Alice and Theodore moved into the town, they were disguised in plain clothes to blend in with the townsfolk, and they made their way through the crowded streets.

The sounds of vendors calling out their wares, children playing, and the general hum of daily life filled the air, it was a stark contrast to the serene solitude of the waterfall where they usually met.

Alice wore a simple, earth-toned dress and had tucked her long black hair under a modest bonnet. Theodore, in a rough-spun tunic and trousers, had smeared a bit of dirt on his face to further obscure his noble features. Despite the simplicity of their disguises, there was an undeniable grace in their movements that hinted at their true identities.

"This is so exciting," Alice whispered, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of their adventure. "I feel like we are but in a storybook."

Theodore chuckled softly, his hand brushing against hers as they walked. "It does have a certain charm, does it not? But remember, we need to stay vigilant. We can not afford to draw attention to ourselves."

They wandered through the market, pausing at various stalls to inspect the goods. Alice marveled at the vibrant displays of fruit, the rich colors and fresh scents tantalizing her senses. She picked up a ripe apple, its red skin gleaming in the sunlight, and turned to Theodore with a smile.

"Let’s get some of these," she said. "They look delicious."

Theodore nodded, handing a few coins to the vendor. As they moved to the next stall, Alice’s attention was caught by a small, pitiful mewling sound coming from a shadowy alleyway. She stopped, her heartstrings tugged by the plaintive cry, and peered into the gloom.

There, huddled against the cold stone wall, was a tiny, wounded cat. Its fur was matted and dirty, and one of its legs appeared to be injured. The sight of the poor creature broke Alice’s heart.

"Theo, look," she whispered, pointing to the cat. "We have to help it." she declared.

Theodore followed her gaze, his expression softening as he saw the small animal. "Are you sure, Alice? We are supposed to be laying low."

Alice’s eyes filled with determination. "I can not just leave it here. It needs us, My dear friend." she persuaded.

Seeing the resolve in her eyes, Theodore sighed and nodded. "Alright. Let us see what we can do."

He crouched down and gently scooped up the trembling cat, cradling it against his chest. The cat mewed weakly but didn’t resist, too exhausted and hurt to protest. Theodore could feel its fragile bones through its thin fur, and he knew they had to act quickly.

"We could never take it back to the palace," Alice said, her voice tinged with sadness. "But maybe we can bring it to your camp?" He met her gaze, they’d never talk much about their peopllllle except when she cried about her mother. He didn’t know if she was ready to meet his men but he would happily introduce them.

Theodore nodded, carefully wrapping the cat in a piece of cloth he had brought for their disguises. "Yes, we can treat it there. My men are good with animals; they will know what to do."

They hurried out of the town, making their way through the forest towards Theodore’s hidden camp.

The forest was quiet as Alice and Theodore made their way to his hidden camp, the path unfamiliar yet thrilling for Alice. The camp, nestled in a secluded clearing, was bustling with activity as Theodore’s men went about their tasks. The sight of the wounded cat cradled in Theodore’s arms drew curious glances, but it was the presence of Alice that truly captured their attention.

Theodore cleared his throat, drawing his men’s focus. "Everyone, may I have your attention?" he called out, his voice carrying the authority of his rank. The men gathered around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and respect.

"This is Alice," Theodore began, glancing at her with a reassuring smile, she smiled back, assured. "She is not just a friend but someone very dear to me. I trust her completely, and I hope you will too."

Alice stepped forward, feeling a mixture of nervousness and determination. "Hello, everyone," she said, her voice steady. "Thank you for welcoming me here. I hope to be of help."

One of the men, a tall, burly soldier with a kind face, spoke up. "It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Alice. Any friend of the prince is a friend of ours."

Another soldier, a younger man with a mischievous grin, added, "And anyone who can get the prince to smile like that is more than welcome."

Theodore shook his head.

There was a ripple of good-natured laughter, and Alice felt her nerves ease. Theodore gave her a warm look before continuing. "Alice found this wounded cat in town. We need to take care of it. Timothy, can you handle this?"

Timothy, the bronze skinned grizzled but gentle-hearted soldier, stepped forward and took the cat from Theodore’s arms with careful hands. "Of course, Your Highness," he said, nodding to Alice. "We shll make sure it gets the best care."

Alice watched as Timothy moved towards a makeshift infirmary, feeling a sense of relief. She turned back to Theodore, who was now introducing her to the rest of his men.

"This is Marcus," Theodore pointed to the tall soldier who had spoken first. "He’s one of my best strategists."

Marcus nodded respectfully. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Alice."

"And this is Shadow," Theodore indicated to the younger, grinning soldier. "He’s our scout and resident troublemaker."

Shadow gave a mock salute. "Welcome to our humble camp, Miss Alice."

As the introductions continued, Alice felt more at ease. Each man greeted her with a mixture of respect and curiosity, clearly intrigued by the presence of the princess in their midst. Theodore’s men seemed to share his values and principles, making Alice feel safe and welcome despite the unfamiliar surroundings.

Finally, when all the introductions were made, Theodore turned to Alice with a smile. "Now that you’ve met everyone, feel free to ask if you need anything. This camp is as much yours as it is ours."

Wow.

Alice nodded, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected. "Thank you, Theodore. And thank you all for making me feel so welcome."

The men dispersed, returning to their duties, but now with occasional glances and smiles towards Alice. Theodore led her to a quiet spot near the campfire, where they could sit and talk.

"You did wonderfully," Theodore said softly, taking her hand. "My men trust you already."

Alice smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection. "I am just glad to be here with you. And thank you for trusting me with your secret."

Theodore squeezed her hand gently. "We are in this together, Alice. No matter what comes our way."

As they sat by the fire, the warmth of the flames mirrored the warmth in their hearts, a beacon of hope and unity in the midst of uncertain times.

The cat remained quiet, its eyes half-closed, as if sensing it was finally safe. Theodore’s men, upon seeing their prince and the distressed animal, quickly set up a small area for its care.

Timothy, took charge of the cat’s treatment. He cleaned its wounds with practiced hands and splinted its injured leg while Alice watched anxiously, her heart aching for the tiny creature.

"You did the right thing, Princess," Timothy said gently, not using her title but acknowledging her bravery and kindness. "This little one will be alright now."

Alice smiled, her eyes shining with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Timothy."

Theodore placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It will be safe here, Alice. We will take good care of it."

They stayed for a while longer, ensuring the cat was comfortable and well-tended before Alice had to return to the palace. As they walked back to the edge of the forest, the sun dipping below the horizon, Theodore turned to her with a smile.

"You have such a kind heart, Alice. It’s one of the many reasons I love you."

Love?

Alice blushed, her heart swelling with affection as she asked. "You love me?"

"I had thought that goes without saying" he mumbled, clueless.

"No, silly" she whispered as he invaded her space in a way that she liked.

"You are suppossed to say everything before a girl believes" she chided sweetly as he searched her eyes.

"Then let me say this before I write it," he whispered as he cupped her face, "Alice, This world was a simple and somewhat boring place and I had no dreams of mine but to make my father happy, to please the people and protect my kingdom until I saw you years ago and everything changed, I left this kingdom that day and I would spend every day trying not to think about you so I could instead think about ways to meet you─" he paused to run his thumb over her partd lips.

"I think I loved you from the very first day, when you had thought I was handsome and you had warned me not to be boring, and now that I could have you, I cannot imagine my world continuing without your presence and even if you had been a butterfly, I would have spent the happiest full day of my life with you, I would have gone to the ends of the world to find a way to extend your life so I could love you for your forever" a tear slip out of her eyes at the display of affection, his words made her feel even more beautiful, desired and cherished than her mother ever made her feel.

"Do not cry, I love you, Gooseberry" he repeated as he wiped her tears. "I love you so much I hate everyone for trying to keep us apart" he held her gaze, his emotions on full display, "I love you too," she sniffed. "I love you too, Theodore"

And then he swore, "I would do anything to love you again."

She cried because how could one be so poetically correct? How could a boy who wasn’t inclined to love her, lover her so? Why would he be her forever?

Perhaps because he was Theodore and she was Gooseberry.

He bit his lip before drawing her head in, he kissed her lightly at first, his lip merely brushing her soft puckered one but then he couldn’t be decent, he dived back in and sucked on her bottom lip, she was as clueless as he but so was she as interested as he was, she grabbed his bicep and moaned into his mouth, he quickly parted from her lips for air and dignity.

Theodore had anticipated kissing her but her lips knocked decency off him and now it was evening.

They parted with a lingering kiss, promising to meet again soon. As Alice made her way back to the castle, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and strength, knowing that together, she and Theodore could face any challenge that came their way. Meanwhile, Theodore returned to his camp, ensuring the cat was well looked after, its soft purrs a comforting reminder of the day’s unexpected but heartwarming adventure.

*

Alice reached the castle and the security had trippled, it was a hustle but she successfully entered her room.

"I am so sore, Harley my feet!" Alice whined and moaned as she stayed buried neck deep in the warm bathe the maids had set up for her.

"You have become too adventurous, my lady you should stop going out this much" Harley advised.

Her body ached but it was worth it, so she closed her eyes, a smile bloomiing on her face as she tried to lower her flushed skin from flushing, "Harley?"

"I know, I know my lady, you are in love but─"

Alice sat up abruptly, her eyes wide, "In love?"

"Yes, what else do you think you are doing with the enemy?"

Alice could lie, she wanted to but she didn’t, "I love him and he loves me"

Harley shuddered at the intensity as she voiced out, "I hope this ends well for us"

Alice blinked, it has to, she thought.

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